Australians and Indians remain relatively satisfied with the way their democracies are functioning, even as discontent continues to grow across many of the world’s advanced economies, according to a new Pew Research Center global survey.
The 2025 survey – which polled adults in 23 countries – reveals that Australia and India are among a handful of nations where public confidence in democracy remains robust, despite a global median of 58% expressing dissatisfaction with how democracy works in their country.
In Australia, where the Labor government was recently re-elected, around six-in-ten adults say they are satisfied with democracy, reflecting continued trust in the electoral system and political stability. Similarly, in India – the world’s largest democracy – satisfaction levels remain high, bolstered by a strong economy and widespread support for representative governance.
The findings contrast sharply with sentiments in many Western democracies. In 12 high-income countries consistently surveyed by Pew since 2017 – including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan – a median of 64% of respondents now say they are dissatisfied with how democracy is functioning, up from 49% in 2017.
While dissatisfaction is rising globally, the survey suggests that public perceptions are closely tied to economic outlooks and political developments, with recent elections playing a key role in shaping democratic satisfaction in several countries.
“People in countries like India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Netherlands and Sweden are generally more content with both their economy and their democracy,” the Pew report states. “In contrast, adults in France, Greece, Italy, Japan and South Korea are pessimistic about both.”
In Australia’s case, public confidence appears to reflect economic resilience, institutional trust, and effective governance during recent crises. Similarly, in India, the perception of national progress and global standing has helped sustain democratic approval.
As nations grapple with political polarisation and economic pressures, the Pew report highlights growing concerns about how well democratic systems are representing citizens – even as broad support for democracy as an ideal remains intact.
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